CDC: Breads top list of salt sources in US diets

MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer

Trying to cut down on salt? Health officials have come up with a list of the top 10 sources of salt in the American diet - and bread is No. 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says just 10 foods account for 44 percent of the sodium in the American diet. Salt is the main source of sodium, which increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Bread and rolls topped the list. They aren't actually saltier than other foods, but a CDC official says people tend to eat a lot of bread. Cold cuts, pizza and poultry were also leading sources.

Health officials say salt should be limited to about a teaspoon a day but most Americans eat more.